I have never done a large turning. I have a piece of hickory. The tree had been on the ground for several years and I was just going to cut it for firewood. However it is fairly solid, so I thought I would try something big. I have the outside somewhat roughed. The diameter at the flange end is about 12" and about 8" at the base. Overall length about 26". The MC is still around 30% to my surprise. My questions are should I take off the lathe and let it dry for a couple of months or rough the inside and then remove. I have a faceplate on the bottom. I will setup a steady rest to do the inside. If I rough the inside I was thinking of making plug so I use the tailstock when I put the dry turning back in the lathe. Other suggestions are welcome on form or anything.
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As as a side note the lathe rocked when I first installed the log, but not violent as my lowest speed is 300rpm. I have added 250 lbs of sand. Also I only have 1hp, but never stalled it.